Simmons builds offense to go with defense

Andrelton Simmons has dazzled defensively all season, showing at age 23 he is already one of the best shortstops in the major leagues.

The native of Curacao got off to a slow start at the plate, though, until finally getting going recently. Now he is no longer a one-dimensional player.

Simmons followed a two-double game against the New York Mets on Sunday with a three-hit outing that included two homers and four RBI on Monday at Cincinnati.

"I'm feeling better, getting my timing back," Simmons said. "That off day, that rainout we had (Saturday) really helped. I spent some time in the cage, talked to the coaches, Justin (Upton) helped quite a bit, too, and I feel right where I want to be right now."

Asked what adjustments he had made, Simmons said, "My load and just getting more power from it, staying back a little longer, read and attack the ball."

Simmons, meanwhile, has made highlight play after highlight play while yet to commit his first error of the season.

The play that stands out for its uniqueness happened Monday, when he made a difficult catch on a throw and tagged out the Reds' Shin-Soo Choo between his legs with his back to the runner.

"That's a first for sure," Simmons said.

But nobody on the Braves was shocked that he pulled it off.

"He's pretty acrobatic," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "I remember somebody asked me in spring training: 'What is the best defensive play he's made?' And I said, 'The next one,' because it's one after the other with him."

--3B Juan Francisco hit his first career grand slam Wednesday afternoon, and he did so against his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, and the pitcher he was traded for, right-hander J.J. Hoover. Francisco was making his second appearance after missing three games with a mild ankle sprain. It was the first grand slam hit by the Braves this season.

--RHP Craig Kimbrel was not available to pitch Wednesday. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said the decision had less to do with Kimbrel's third blown save on Tuesday and more to do with getting him some rest. Kimbrel allowed back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the ninth in a stunning 5-4 loss to Cincinnati. Kimbrel said he's eager to get back on the mound to atone for Monday's collapse.

--OF Jason Heyward, who has been on the disabled list since April 22 after undergoing emergency appendectomy surgery, will begin a Triple-A rehab assignment Thursday. Heyward took batting practice Wednesday for the third straight day. The length of his rehab assignment is undetermined. Heyward was batting .121 with two homers and five RBI in 17 games before surgery.

--2B Dan Uggla homered twice in Wednesday's game, making it his 17th career multi-homer game and first this season. It was Uggla's fifth multi-hit game, and fourth since April 29. He has been working with hitting coach Greg Walker on adjustments to his swing, helping him produce more power to the opposite field.

--RHP Julio Teheran will be making his first start against the Giants. Teheran is eager to get back on the mound after his last scheduled start was rained out. He has allowed just three earned runs over his past two starts, after allowing 13 in his first three outings. He has 20 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's pretty acrobatic. I remember somebody asked me in spring training: 'What is the best defensive play he's made?' And I said, 'The next one,' because it's one after the other with him." -- Manager Fredi Gonzalez, on SS Andrelton Simmons.

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MLB Team Report - Atlanta Braves - ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--RHP Luis Ayala (anxiety) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 25 after suffering anxiety while dealing with high blood pressure.

--RHP Brandon Beachy (Tommy John surgery in June 2012) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22. He has been throwing live batting practice and hopes to be ready to go out on a minor league rehab assignment before mid-May.

--RF Jason Heyward (appendectomy) underwent the procedure April 22, and he went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to that date. He was still feeling weak April 30 but began light baseball activity May 5. He took batting practice May 6-8 and will begin a rehab assignment May 9. He could be ready to return to the lineup at the start of homestand beginning May 17 against the Dodgers.

--INF Blake DeWitt (lower back strain) went on the 15-day disabled list April 20. He missed most of the second half of last season with back issues.